The best part of winter is skiing. From the east to the west coast, ski resorts are packed during the holidays. Thanks to my parents, I have skied my entire life. My father is a ski instructor and teaches all ages.
This is a guide to drinks for when you hang up your poles after a long day on the slopes. Drink responsibly and remember, "If you French fry when you're supposed to pizza, you're gonna have a bad time."
1. Bunny Slope
Beginners love this slope because it's easy and not off the beaten path. This slope is crowded with new skiers and is painful to watch from above on the lifts. Falling down is a staple in learning how to ski, so a strong drink at the end of the day is a must to dull the aching muscles. A hot chocolate spiked with peppermint schnapps is the perfect end to a long day on the slopes.
2. Green Circle Slopes
The next step for a beginner skier is a slope with a green trail sign. These slopes are well groomed, wide, and popular. A variety of skiing levels are found on this slope, which will make the lift lines at the bottom long. A mixed drink, like a Moscow mule, is recommended for skiers at this level.
3. Terrain Park
There are two types of skiers found in the terrain park and it's very easy to figure out who is who. There are beginners who are hoping to be in the X-Games next season, while in reality, they are getting an adrenaline rush from getting an inch of air off the side of a jump. And then there are the true park goers, who are making misty flips and scaling pipes look easy.
Everyone found in the terrain park is seeking adrenaline and should be drinking a side walk slammer. A slammer is a 40-ounce cheap beer mixed with Four Loko. This drink is a necessity at the end of the day to keep the energy up for a night out on the town.
4. Moguls
Moguls demand quick turning and a fast speed. Slopes with moguls are steep and decorated with lost skies and poles from yard sales. Besides a new pair of knees, a Jell-O shot may be the only thing that you can drink laying down in bed after skiing moguls.
5. Blue Square Slopes
The return of the bota bag. A bota bag is a leather satchel that can fit an entire bottle of wine. It lingers on the edge of sophistication and genius. Blue trails are fun and not too scary, but are moderately steep. In other words, the wine won't be sloshing around too much and the lift rides just got more entertaining.
6. Black Diamond
Black diamonds are challenging and designed for an expert skier. A skier that can carve effortlessly S-turns on a black diamond should have a local IPA waiting for them at the bottom of the mountain.
7. Backwoods Trails
The skiers who find themselves bored with the marked trails often go out of bounds for a little extra fun. While this is against the rules at a ski resort, out of bounds skiing can be dangerous and thrilling. A shot of bourbon or whiskey and a pat on the back is needed after being chased by ski patrol through the woods.
All levels of skiing should be appreciated because after all, skiing is a difficult sport. Whether you find yourself sliding down on your backside or weaving through trees, everyone deserves a nice drink with friends by the fire at the end of the day!